BEAUTY SPOT: Harsh weather's snow joke for delicate skin.

Byline: WITH CRAIG ALEXANDER WILSON

I've finally taken the plunge and booked some snowboarding lessons in Aviemore this month. I know it's not as glamorous as Aspen or the Alps but it's a start.

My mate Jacqueline and will set off with great intentions... and a suitcase full of creams to protect our skin from the harsh winter weather. Here are some of my favourite skin savers.

SUBTLE YET PROTECTIVE Wearing a foundation with an SPF will protect skin from the elements as well as give you a flawless finish.

like Clinique's Superbalanced Compact. Its clever formula controls shine and hydrates skin for up to eight hours. With an SPF of 20, this is great for combination skins. It also comes in a stylish chrome compact. From Clinique counters, pounds 21.50.

Keep your make-up light as too much slap and ski suits are not a great combination. Give lips a subtle wash of colour while keeping them hydrated with Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Lip Protection Stick.

This sheer tint has SPF15 and comes in five shades. Blush is a pale pink shade that will enhance your natural lip colour. Great for Grenada or Glasgow. From Elizabeth Arden counters, pounds 13.

FACE THE COLD Piz Buin's Himalaya Tested Mountain Sun Cream will protect against sun, snow or storm. Its UVA filters protect against ageing while UVB helps prevent burning. It also boasts an SPF of 30 and is sweat-resistant.

Priced pounds 7.49.

My best buy is The Body Shop's Vitamin E Protective SPF15 Moisture Lotion. Ideal for all skin types, this rich lotion is a bargain at pounds 6.

For nose, lips and ears, Clarins' Stick Solaire is a high-protection balm that is ideal for water-sports, ski-ing or intense sunlight.

With shea butter to soften, this comes on a handy string to hang round your neck for quick top-ups. Priced pounds 11.50 from Clarins counters.

GET LIPPY Keep lips soft with Ambre Solaire's UV Ski Stick. This offers extreme protection and intense hydration and the lid can be unscrewed to allow it to be applied to your face, while the end is a lip applicator. From Boots and Superdrug, pounds 6.99. BEST DESIGN. HANDY SIZE FOR TRAVEL. One skin saver that's hard to beat is Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.

It's ideal for hands that do dishes, this cream provides instant relief to dry chapped skin.

I suffer from eczema and this is great at keeping it at bay.

Available from leading supermarkets and Boots, priced pounds 3.39.

CAPTION(S):

Avoid chapped lips with a balm; Clinique' s Superbalanced Compact hydrates skin for up to eight hours; Top: Ambre Solaire's UV Ski Stick Above: Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour lip cream; Clarins 30SPF Stick Solaire; Neutrogena hand cream